February 2, 2026
Grant Manning Signs with Washington Nationals
Becomes Sixth Baller to Sign with MLB org
OAKLAND, Calif. - February 2, 2026
The Oakland Ballers announce that the Washington Nationals have purchased the contract of RHP Grant Manning and signed him to a free agent contract.
Manning, who signed with the Ballers in November, is coming off his senior season with the Virginia Tech Hokies, striking out 72 and only walking 22 in 51.2 innings. He was also a 2023 Preseason All-American selection at Chapman University after a 118-strikeout season.
A Dublin, CA native, he joins former Baller and fellow East Bay-er James Colyer in Washington's system, a signing previously announced only last week.
"We had been following Grant throughout 2025 and were very excited to have him join our club for the upcoming season. But this is the goal of our team, to see that our players move on when opportunity knocks. So I am happy to see that the talent that we had been scouting was also being followed by Washington closely as well."
- Don Wakamatsu, EVP of Baseball Operations
"Grant had a great pro day at his offseason facility and we knew teams were going to take notice. To have Grant join the Nationals right after James signed last week is such a great sign and I'll look forward to watching them both next season."
- Tyler Petersen, Assistant GM, Baseball Operations
In just two seasons, Manning becomes the sixth Ballers player to move to an affiliate system, preceded by pitchers Danny Kirwin (BOS), Tyler Davis (CWS), Elijah Pleasants (SF), Carson Lambert (TOR), and James Colyer (WAS). Manning also becomes the second Ballers player to sign an affiliate contract without playing for Oakland, the other being Kirwin in 2024.
Oakland's 2025 championship defense begins on May 19, 2026 with Opening Night against the Missoula Paddleheads. For tickets and more information visit www.oaklandballers.com.
